French Onion Soup Bites (Phyllo Cups) Recipe
Introduction
French Onion Soup Bites in delicate phyllo cups are a delightful twist on the classic soup. These savory bites combine caramelized onions, rich beef stock, and melted cheese in a crispy, bite-sized treat perfect for entertaining or snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef stock
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 deli slices Gruyere or other sharp white cheese (or 1 ounce cheese, very thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package frozen phyllo cups (about 15 cups)
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small skillet, combine the sliced onion, beef stock, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, crushed red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Step 2: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is very soft and most of the liquid has evaporated. This should take about 45 minutes. A nonstick skillet works best.
- Step 3: Cut the cheese slices into 8 pieces each, making two small squares per phyllo cup.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a small amount of Parmesan cheese in each phyllo cup, then add about a teaspoon of the onion mixture to fill each cup.
- Step 5: Top each cup with two small pieces of the melting cheese.
- Step 6: Bake the cups for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 7: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired, and serve hot. For potlucks, these can be served at room temperature or baked just before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the onions from sticking and burning during the slow cooking process.
- Substitute beef stock with vegetable stock for a lighter or vegetarian version, though the flavor will be less rich.
- Try different cheeses like Comté or fontina for a unique flavor twist.
- Prepare the onion mixture in advance to save time on the day of serving.
Storage
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the phyllo cups crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the phyllo soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make French Onion Soup Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the onion mixture and assemble the phyllo cups ahead of time. Keep the assembled cups refrigerated and bake them just before serving for the best crispness.
Can I use fresh cheese instead of deli slices?
Absolutely! Thinly slice any sharp white cheese you prefer. Just make sure the slices are very thin so they melt evenly within the phyllo cups.
PrintFrench Onion Soup Bites (Phyllo Cups) Recipe
French Onion Soup Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring savory caramelized onions cooked with beef stock and spices, served in crispy phyllo cups and topped with melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. These bites are perfect for potlucks, parties, or elegant gatherings, offering all the flavor of classic French onion soup in a convenient, bite-sized format.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: About 15 phyllo cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Onion Mixture
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef stock
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Drizzle of olive oil
Cheese Toppings
- 2 deli slices Gruyere or other sharp white cheese (or 1 ounce cheese very thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Base
- 1 package frozen phyllo cups (about 15 cups)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the onion mixture: In a small skillet, add the thinly sliced onion, beef stock, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, crushed red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and a drizzle of olive oil. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become very soft and most of the liquid evaporates. This process will take approximately 45 minutes, depending on your stove and skillet type. Using a nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent sticking.
- Cut the cheese: While the onion mixture cooks, cut the deli cheese slices into 8 pieces each, creating two small squares per phyllo cup. This will make it easier to top the bites evenly.
- Preheat the oven: Once the onion mixture is ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the phyllo cups.
- Assemble the bites: Fill each phyllo cup with a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese, followed by about a teaspoon of the cooked onion mixture. Use all the onion mixture evenly among the cups. Then top each cup with two small pieces of the Gruyere (or other sharp white cheese), ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed to melt beautifully.
- Bake the phyllo cups: Place the assembled cups on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the bites from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top. Serve the bites hot for best flavor. For potluck events, they can be served at room temperature or assembled and baked at the host’s location if preferred.
Notes
- A nonstick skillet is preferred to avoid the onion mixture sticking to the pan as it cooks down.
- You can substitute the beef stock with vegetable stock for a lighter flavor, though the soup’s richness may vary.
- Use deli-sliced Gruyere cheese for ease of cutting and even melting, but any sharp white cheese like Swiss or Fontina will work well.
- Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- If assembling ahead for a party, bake the cups just before serving or bake at the event location.
Keywords: French Onion Soup Bites, phyllo cups, appetizer, party food, Gruyere, caramelized onions, savory bites
